In a recent appearance on Apple TV’s “The Reluctant Traveler” hosted by comedian Eugene Levy, Prince William opened up about his late grandfather, Prince Philip, in a heartfelt and humorous way. The Prince of Wales, now 43, described Philip as “incredibly amusing,” adding that his humor often came “sometimes not deliberately, sometimes by accident.” This candid reflection highlights the lighter side of the Duke of Edinburgh, a man whose public persona was often defined by duty but whose private life brought joy and laughter to his family.
William reminisced about family gatherings filled with warmth and chuckles, noting, “But we had a lot of laughs and he had a great sense of humor, as did my grandmother as well, actually. My grandfather definitely was the one who would create quite a few laughs.” He emphasized the family-oriented atmosphere fostered by Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, saying there was “always a warmness, there was always a laughter, there was always a family feel.” The prince even shared that making his grandparents laugh required careful timing and choice of subject, underscoring the playful yet respectful dynamic within the royal household.
This tribute comes years after Prince Philip’s passing in April 2021 at the age of 99, but it echoes sentiments William expressed shortly after his grandfather’s death. In a statement at the time, William praised Philip as an “extraordinary” figure with an “infectious sense of adventure” and a “mischievous sense of humor.” He spoke of the special memories his own children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—would cherish, like rides in Philip’s carriage around the Windsor estate. William felt fortunate to have had his grandfather’s guidance through adulthood, navigating both triumphs and challenges.
Prince Philip, born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in 1921, led a life that spanned nearly a century of profound change. Exiled from Greece as an infant, he built a distinguished naval career during World War II, rising to the rank of lieutenant. His marriage to then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947 marked the beginning of a 73-year partnership, the longest in British royal history. As consort to the Queen, Philip sacrificed his own ambitions to support her reign, modernizing aspects of the monarchy while founding initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which has empowered millions of young people worldwide.
Yet, it was Philip’s unfiltered wit that often captured public attention, sometimes sparking controversy but always revealing his sharp mind and irreverent spirit. Known for his “gaffes,” these off-the-cuff remarks ranged from light-hearted jabs to culturally insensitive quips that reflected the era he grew up in. For instance, during a 1986 visit to China, he told a British student, “If you stay here much longer, you will go home with slitty eyes.” While such comments drew criticism for their racial undertones, they exemplified his blunt style, which he himself acknowledged could be accidental.
Another memorable moment came in 2000 when, addressing a group of deaf children near a steel drum band in Cardiff, he quipped, “Deaf? If you’re near there, no wonder you are deaf.” Or, in 1969, after Tom Jones performed at the Royal Variety Show, Philip asked, “What do you gargle with – pebbles?” adding later that he found it hard to see value in such songs. These remarks, while sometimes cringe-worthy by modern standards, were part of what made Philip a “natural entertainer,” as William described him. They broke the ice in formal settings and humanized the monarchy, showing a royal who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.
Philip’s humor wasn’t limited to public engagements; it permeated family life. William’s brother, Prince Harry, also paid tribute in 2021, calling their grandfather “cheeky” with a “seriously sharp wit.” Harry recalled Philip as a “legend of banter” who could hold a room’s attention effortlessly. This shared family view paints Philip not just as a stoic consort but as the spark that ignited joy in private moments. Stories abound of Philip’s practical jokes, like startling guests or teasing his grandchildren during holidays at Balmoral or Sandringham.
Beyond the laughs, Philip’s sense of humor served a practical purpose in his royal duties. In an era when the monarchy faced scrutiny and calls for modernization, his quips often defused tension or highlighted absurdities. For example, in 1993, while visiting Hungary, he told a British tourist, “You can’t have been here that long – you haven’t got a pot belly,” poking fun at stereotypes. Or, in 1995, he asked a Scottish driving instructor, “How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test?” Such lines, though risky, showcased his no-nonsense approach, honed from his military background where humor helped cope with hardship.
William’s relationship with his grandfather was particularly close, with Philip playing a mentoring role in preparing him for future kingship. After the death of Princess Diana in 1997, Philip offered support to young William and Harry, walking with them behind their mother’s coffin in a show of solidarity. In later years, William sought Philip’s counsel on matters of duty and family. This bond is evident in William’s tributes, which blend admiration for Philip’s service with affection for his playful side. As William noted in the recent interview, family was encouraged to gather, fostering connections that endured.
Even in his later years, Philip’s wit remained sharp. Approaching his 90th birthday, he mordantly observed, “Bits are beginning to drop off.” And in 1993, consoling Lockerbie disaster survivors, he said, “People usually say that after a fire it is water damage that is the worst. We are still drying out Windsor Castle,” referencing a recent fire at the royal residence. These moments, while occasionally tone-deaf, underscored his resilience and ability to find levity in adversity.
Today, as Prince William steps into greater responsibilities following King Charles III’s ascension, he carries forward this legacy of humor. In public speeches and private anecdotes, William often injects light-heartedness, much like his grandfather. This touching tribute not only honors Philip’s memory but reminds us that behind the palace walls, royalty is human—capable of laughter, mishaps, and profound bonds. Philip’s punchlines, from intentional jests to accidental gaffes, added color to a life of service, ensuring his spirit lives on in the family’s stories and smiles.
Philip’s humor also extended to self-deprecation. In 1976, during a Canadian tour, he remarked, “We don’t come here for our health. We can think of other ways of enjoying ourselves.” And in 1981, amid Britain’s recession, he observed, “A few years ago, everybody was saying we must have more leisure, everyone’s working too much. Now that everybody’s got more leisure time they are complaining they are unemployed.” These insights, delivered with dry wit, reflected his pragmatic worldview.
Ultimately, Prince William’s reflections reveal a grandfather who balanced the weight of royal protocol with the lightness of laughter. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the punchlines that echoed through family halls, Philip’s humor was a bridge between duty and delight. As the royal family evolves, this element of joy remains a cherished inheritance, proving that even in the most formal settings, a good laugh can be the greatest legacy.
